What is Classical Christian Education?

What is CCE?

A good education is one that teaches students to think both deeply and broadly. We believe that the best way to educate both the minds and souls of students is by focusing on eternal good, through the study of virtue and the pursuit of truth. Much like a garden that requires nurturing, cultivating, and pruning, so too does educating the mind and heart of a child.

We use a liberal arts curriculum, or what has now become known as a classical curriculum, because it teaches students to consider thoughtfully and slowly the things that matter: what is the nature of God, the world, and mankind? These questions have been discussed in a variety of conversations, forms, and subjects since the Ancient World. We want our students to enter into those conversations because we believe such an education will prepare students, not just for a professional life, but for a virtuous life. A classical education is many things, but, in its simplest form, it is about forming men and women who will practice humility and wisdom.

We use a teaching model from the classical education movement known as the Trivium, consisting of three parts: grammar, logic, and rhetoric as explained below:

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Grammar

K-5th-Elementary Age

The grammar level emphasizes memorization, chants, and facts like names, dates, and simple math processes. Students learn a variety of stories from classical myths, fables, history and the Bible. During these young years, it is well established that students naturally absorb (and enjoy!) ‘grammar.’ Students will build on this foundation of knowledge in the later years of education.

Logic

6th-8th- Junior High Age

Students in the Logic level have matured past simple memorization and basic facts and are naturally inclined to ask questions and seek logical connections. This is when students begin studying logic formally alongside other subjects, and they also begin to seek out the relationships between subjects.

Rhetoric

9-12th- High School Age

At the Rhetoric level, students are ready to share their own ideas with the world. They have knowledge (grammar), they understand complex relationships (logic), and they are ready to invent, persuade, and engage in dialogue (rhetoric). The final synthesis of a Trivium-based education is the Senior Thesis. This is a culminating project in which students look back upon and take ownership of their education by creating and defending an argument that incorporates their studies in the grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages.

CCE Resources:

A classical Christian school like Anthem values a lifetime of learning for our staff, students, parents, and the Northwest Arkansas community. We desire to share the following classical resources with you to help inform your school choice.

Videos:

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The Good Soil Report – ACCS

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Hillsdale’s Teaching for Virtue

While we are not a Hillsdale Barney Charter School, we have been heavily influenced by Hillsdale’s mission to revive Classical Education in America. This inspiring video captures the impact a classical education has on students, parents, teachers, and administrators.

Articles and Essays:

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A Classical Education for Modern Times by Dr. Terrence Moore

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The Lost Tools of Learning by Dorothy Sayers

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An Introduction to Classical Christian Education by Dr. Christopher Perrin

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TGC The Exponential Growth of Classical Christian Education by Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra

Books:

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Classical Me, Classical Thee: Squander Not Thine Education by Rebekah Merkle